Selena is typing something on her tablet. “I’m going to put together a tentative schedule as soon as I get all the registrations in from the students. The deadline is this Friday, so we will have a head count soon.”
This is absolute torture letting this continue, although a deadline doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I think I will give myself a Friday deadline as well.
~*~*~
Why do I continue to jinx myself? Here I am thinking that Liv is being so cool because she hasn’t reached out, and then sure enough she sends me an email asking me if I looked over all the paperwork. My dad hasn’t returned the contract yet either, so I need to follow up with him.
Cassie hasn’t called me back since I yelled and hung up on her. I would like to think she would apologize after thinking about what I had to say, but probably not. Cassie likes to be right—all the time.
I refuse to call her this time. I’m going to stay strong because she’s the one who owes me an apology.
As soon as I walk into my apartment, I smell something amazing.
“Layla, what are you cooking?” I call out. “That smells awesome.”
I’m completely in shock when a man walks out of the kitchen causing me to scream.
He holds up his hands. “Hey. It’s okay, it’s okay.”
“Where’s Layla?” I yell.
“She had to run an errand. She should be back any minute.”
What the hell? Why would Layla leave some strange guy in our apartment alone? I could have sworn she told me she wasn’t seeing anyone. Did she just start seeing someone and then leave him here . . . alone?
“I’m Zack,” he says, holding out his hand. “Maris, right?”
I hesitate before I reach over to his outstretched hand. He seems perfectly normal, so I’m probably overreacting. On the other hand, don’t most serial killers act perfectly normal?
“Oh, and to answer your question about that amazing smell, it’s chicken marsala. It’s the signature dish at my restaurant,” he says proudly. He walks back into the kitchen, leaving me to process some random guy cooking alone in my apartment. I follow him into the kitchen so I can keep an eye on him. Although, it’s not like there’s anything in there for him to steal. Sure enough, he’s standing over the stove hard at work on his signature dish. I look around and it looks like a scene from one of those cooking TV shows. It’s obvious he’s made himself very comfortable in my kitchen.
I watch him closely, keeping my hand around my phone just in case I have to make a quick call to 911. Once I’ve had a few minutes to get used to him being here, I notice how good-looking he is. His dirty blond hair is spiked in several different directions, his arms are muscular and tan, and apparently, he’s a good cook because this chicken marsala smells divine. I wonder if Layla’s actually going to try any of her new man’s food. I have no idea if chicken marsala is gluten free or not.
“So, Layla tells me you’re a Broadway singer?” he says, trying to make conversation. “That’s really cool.”
I sit down on a stool. “I’m actually not a Broadway singer, not yet anyway. Hopefully someday.”
“Sing something for me.”
My mouth drops open. “What? No.”
He adds a dash of some kind of seasoning to the contents in the saucepan. “Why not? I’m sure singing for one person is much easier than hundreds. So, go for it.” He gives me a big smile showing two rows of perfectly straight teeth.
“Believe it or not, it isn’t,” I say, reaching for one of the carrot sticks on the counter top.
He turns around and leans against the counter. “Fine. But you have to promise you’ll invite me to your first show,” he insists. “I’ll even cook you dinner as a thank you.”
I’m completely dumbfounded right now. What exactly is happening here? There’s some random (hot) stranger cooking dinner in my kitchen. He’s obviously here for my roommate, and now he’s offering to make me dinner.
“I think I could arrange that,” I flirt.
Crap. I can feel myself start to blush. I’m not sure what’s come over me.
“I’m back,” Layla calls. “Sorry, it took longer than I expected.”
Zack and I are still looking at each other when Layla joins us in the kitchen.
“Oh hey, Maris,” she says, as soon as she sees me. “I had to run out to the market. I guess you two have met.”
I look at Zack who catches my eye and smiles. Wow, those dimples would make any woman swoon. Stop it, Maris! I must be really desperate for some attention because normally I would never hit on my friend/roommate’s man.
Zack speaks up. “Yes, we have and Maris has just promised to invite me to her first Broadway show.”
Ugh. I want to crawl under the table and die right now. This is so awkward.
“That’s so cool,” Layla exclaims. “I better get an invite, too.”
I start to relax a little. She doesn’t seem bothered by this invitation at all.
“Sure, but the only problem is that I’m not sure there’s going to be a Broadway show for me.”
Both Layla and Zack give me a curious look.
“Why do you say that?” Layla asks. “Uncle Jesse says you have a very bright future ahead of you. And he ought to know because he’s managed many of the best.”
Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that. Too bad he’s retired and only doing guitar lessons part time now.
I groan. Maybe I should tell them about my little dilemma, sometimes it’s good to talk to people who aren’t biased.
“It’s kind of a long story,” I say, shrugging my shoulders.
Zack and Layla look at each other.
“We have all night,” Zack says. “And dinner is just about ready.”
“That’s okay. I don’t want to interrupt your evening.”
They both laugh. I’m not sure what’s so funny.
“You’re not interrupting at all,” Layla insists. “Wait until you try Zack’s food. I insist you join us.”
I’m totally crashing their dinner date but neither of them seems to care. This sure makes me feel better, though, because I really need someone to tell me the absolute truth. And it doesn’t hurt that Zack is easy on the eyes. Ugh, I’m totally going to hell for this.
~*~*~
Zack definitely didn’t exaggerate. This chicken is phenomenal, even Layla ate it and I’m pretty sure it’s not on her meal plan. I tell them the whole long story about Liv’s offer, Giselle, and Ash. I even give them a little backstory on my history with all of them (carefully leaving out most of the details about Trevor).
“I’m not seeing what the problem is here,” Zack says, after taking a sip of his water. “Aside from your dislike of those two women, why are you holding back? You have to take that job.”
Finally, someone is suggesting that I go for it. And a part of me really does want to take the job. Just thinking about the trip to London, making so many new contacts, and some opportunities to perform makes it a no-brainer.
“Thank you, Zack,” I say gratefully.
“I disagree,” Layla chimes in. “I think you have some legitimate concerns and not only that, you would be working for Giselle. Are you prepared for that?”
She’s right, and yes, even if Giselle is a “silent” partner, she’s still Liv’s partner and I work for Liv.
“That’s the problem,” I agree.
“And what about auditioning?” she asks. “Isn’t that why you came here?”
My heart sinks. She’s right about this, too. Hmm . . . Layla is really surprising me tonight. I had no idea she was this deep. I really thought she was immature and self-involved. I’m feeling really guilty about prejudging her.
“Yes, I came to New York to follow my dreams of performing. But I also came with the understanding that I may not make it on Broadway. I was fine with that as long as I was happy.” I pause and move the remainder of my chicken around my plate.
“Are you happy?” Zack asks.
I look up from my p
late to see his brown eyes watching me. I honestly don’t know the answer to this question.
“Yes and no.”
“Well, then maybe it’s the right time to take another risk,” he says. “If it doesn’t work out, then you can come back. Broadway isn’t going anywhere.”
I look at Layla who’s obviously deep in thought.
“I think before you sign on you need to talk to Liv about your concerns. She sounds like she would be very understanding.”
I nod. Liv did tell me to go to her with any problems. All of a sudden I feel so much lighter, definitely not physically after Zack’s delicious meal but emotionally for sure.
“You’re right, both of you,” I say. “I feel so much better after talking to you guys.”
They give each other a high five.
“I’ll be right back,” I say, running to grab my phone. “I need to email Liv before I lose my courage.” I find my phone and send Liv a message letting her know I want to discuss a few things.
When I wander back to the kitchen, Zack is alone cleaning up the dishes.
“Hey. All good?” he asks.
I nod. “Yes, thank you so much. Sometimes it helps to get a fresh perspective.” I pause. “And thanks for dinner. It was great.”
“I told you it would be.”
I laugh. “Yes, you did.” I look around trying to think of something to say. “Um, let me help you clean up?”
He holds out his arm. “I got it, but you can sit and talk to me while I do it.”
I hold my breath for a few seconds. I know this is so awful, but I kind of want to stay and talk to him some more.
“Where’s Layla?”
He shrugs. “She got a call from her boss or so she says. I think she was just trying to get out of cleaning up.”
I smile. “Maybe.”
“So, you have a restaurant?” I say, trying to make conversation. We’ve spent the entire evening talking about me. I don’t want anyone else accusing me of being selfish, thinking back to my conversation with Cassie.
“I sure do. You should come check it out sometime.”
Holy crap. Now he’s inviting me to his restaurant. “That’s if you don’t mind coming upstate,” he adds.
I can’t just sit here watching him clean my kitchen, so I gather up the remaining dishes on the table and carry them to the sink.
“You really don’t have to do that,” he says, turning his head toward me. I lean against the cabinets.
“It’s the least I can do after you listened to my drama all evening.”
He loads the remaining dishes into the sink. “I didn’t mind. I enjoyed having dinner with you. Maybe we can do it again before you take off in your new exciting life?”
What the hell? Is he for real? I can’t place all the blame on him because I’m totally encouraging this.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I say, pushing the chairs in around the table.
He gives me a confused look. “Why?”
“Sorry,” Layla says. “And before you say anything, I was not trying to get out of cleaning the kitchen.”
Zack is still looking at me, and I feel awful for being attracted to him.
“I have to get to work on some lesson plans,” I announce. “Thanks again for dinner and for all the advice.”
I walk back to my room and close the door. When I’m safely in my room, I fall on the bed and bury my head under the pillows. Why does this stuff always happen to me? I feel like I’m a magnet for unavailable men. I had an amazing boyfriend and I had to mess that up. Kyle was ready to marry me and I turned him down partly because of my feelings for Trevor. And when I met Trevor, he was with Giselle. Then tonight, I meet Zack who seems really cool and someone I could see myself spending time with, but he’s here with Layla. This is just more proof that I need to stay clear of men and focus on my career.
Ugh, I need Georgie. She texted me last night letting me know she would be on shift for a few days, and then attending a family reunion with Dr. Scott. I hope it’s not true what they say about single friends versus married friends. I know we’re at different points in our lives, but I hope that won’t change our friendship forever.
At least something positive came out of tonight. Zack and Layla helped me come up with a plan for my new career, and hopefully I will finally get a resolution.
I check my emails again to see if Liv wrote me back. There’s nothing from her yet, but my dad finally responded about the contracts. He says everything looks legit, but honestly, I doubt he would know the difference if anything wasn’t.
I’m deep into my lesson plans for next week when there’s a knock at my door.
“Come in, Layla.”
The door opens, except it’s not Layla. It’s Zack.
I jump up from my bed. “What are you doing in here?”
“Sorry to bother you. I just wanted to make sure I didn’t do something to offend you earlier. You seemed really upset.”
Other than hit on me when your girlfriend was in the next room? He really has a lot of nerve.
“Where’s Layla?”
“She went to bed. She said she has to be up early tomorrow.”
Is this really happening right now?
“You shouldn’t be in here.”
He holds up his hands. “I’m not trying to upset you. I just . . . well, I enjoyed spending time with you tonight.”
Is he serious?
“What the hell is wrong with you? You’re here in Layla’s apartment. She’s my roommate.” I’m trying not to raise my voice because I don’t want to wake her up.
“What does that have to do with spending me time with you?”
Holy crap. Maybe I need to call the police?
“Get out of my room,” I demand.
He turns to leave. “I’m really sorry for whatever I did to upset you.”
I lock my door once he leaves. I need to tell Layla what an ass this guy is. Unfortunately, I didn’t help the situation by flirting with him.
Chapter 15
As soon as my alarm goes off, I shoot out of bed. Normally I would hit snooze at least eight times, but I want to catch Layla before she leaves. I rush out of my room and find Layla and Zack sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee.
“Good morning,” Layla says cheerfully. “You’re up early today.”
Zack looks up from his phone but doesn’t say anything.
“I wanted to catch you before you left,” I say, trying to ignore Zack. Although, I admit that’s difficult. Somehow, I think he got even better looking overnight. How is that even possible?
“You just made it. I have to leave in about five minutes. Zack is going to stay a little longer, though.”
I notice him raise one eyebrow after she says that. No way. She can’t leave me alone with him. Not only did he try to make his move last night, but I’m not sure I can stay strong for much longer.
I fold my arms tightly against my chest. Here goes nothing. I’m totally prepared to call him out right now.
I take a deep breath. “Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” I glance at him. “Layla, I know this is none of my business but I think you’re too good for him.”
They both stare at me for a few seconds.
“I’m too good for whom?” she repeats.
My mouth drops open. “Who do you think?” I say, pointing to Zack.
Layla and Zack look at each other, and then they both burst out into hysterical laughter.
Did I miss something? I just realized I didn’t even look in the mirror when I woke up. I have no idea what I look like right now. Not to mention my breath probably smells like death.
“Maris, what are you talking about? Do you think Zack and I are a couple?” Layla exclaims through her tears of laughter.
“Yeah.” Am I missing something here? Maybe they’re just friends after all.
“That’s so gross,” Zack says, as he bangs on the table.
“What the hell is so funn
y?” I yell.
Layla dabs the corner of her eyes. “Maris, Zack is my brother.”
See You Later Broadway (Broadway Series Book 2) Page 9
